Henna

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈhɛn.ə/

Definitions

• (Noun) A reddish-brown dye obtained from the powdered leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant, used for coloring hair, skin, and fabrics.
• (Noun) The plant Lawsonia inermis itself.
• (Verb) To apply henna as a dye to hair or skin.

Usage Examples

• "She decorated her hands with intricate henna patterns for the wedding."
• "Henna is a natural alternative to chemical hair dyes."
• "She decided to henna her hair for a vibrant red tint."

Etymology

Derived from the Arabic حِنَّاء (ḥinnāʾ), which refers to the plant and the dye obtained from it.

Synonyms

• Mehndi
• Lawsonia inermis
• Natural dye

Antonyms

• Artificial dye
• Chemical dye

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈhɛn.ə/
• American English: /ˈhɛn.ə/
• Indian English: /ˈmehn.di/ (often referred to as "mehndi")

Historical Usage

Henna has been used for centuries in various cultures, particularly in South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa, for body art and hair dyeing.

Cultural Nuances

Henna holds significant cultural and religious importance in wedding ceremonies and festivals such as Eid and Diwali. In many traditions, intricate henna designs symbolize joy, beauty, and spiritual awakening.

More Information

Henna is derived from the leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant, which contain a natural dye called lawsone. The dye binds to keratin in the skin and hair, creating a long-lasting stain. Henna application is an ancient art form, often practiced in celebratory rituals. Today, henna is widely used for temporary body art, hair coloring, and medicinal purposes.